Campus Email Addresses: A Thing of the Past?

Michael Sandt

A recent report, published by Educase, provides new information regarding the prevalence of campus provided email addresses. The report, which draws its information from over 900 universities nation wide, states that nearly 10 percent of the institutions polled are considering phasing out campus provided email addresses. When questioned, the institutes cited the use of personal email addresses as a primary reason for this course of action. This is startling considering that in 2004, a mere two percent of institutions would consider phasing out such email addresses. While I can understand the incentive to phase out such technology, the potential fiscal assets recouped would not be worth the sacrifice. Firstly, standardizing email addresses across campus allows students to use a separate email address specifically for educational purposes. Second, the standardized naming conventions prevents teachers from having to email students personally created addresses. While this may not be such an issue for most, a few will understand that when you give your teacher your email address, "drunkman45@gmail.com" isn't exactly the most shining representation of yourself. Third, and finally, use of campus email addresses creates a sense of responsibility for students. Students will be required to check their email to remain updated on class schedules and course materials. A skill that will become imperative in their future pursuits. So my response to this move to get rid of campus email addresses; keep them, but allow students the opportunity to port the campus email address to their own personal one for a simplified experience.